If you are looking for a quick Italian recipe to make for dinner tonight, try this Gnocchi Alfredo. It's a fancy Italian-inspired meal that you can make at home for any weeknight or romantic dinner. This Gnocchi with creamy white sauce can be ready in about 15 minutes. It's made of simple ingredients and is cheap to make.
Impress everyone at your dining table with this easy Gnocchi alfredo dish. These Italian dumplings cook quickly in a garlicky creamy sauce with spinach. They are delicious, rich, and very filling.
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What is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi. It is an Italian dumpling made of cooked mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs. Gnocchi is so inexpensive and versatile. It can be served with a variety of sauces and toppings. It's also a great addition to salads and soups.
Where to purchase Gnocchi. You can find pre-made Gnocchi at any grocery market (such as Trader Joe's, Ralphs, Walmart, and Target) in the pasta aisle or in the refrigerated section near the fresh noodles.
The average cost of pre-packaged Gnocchi is around $2.59 per pound.
What is Gnocchi Alfredo Made of?
This Gnocchi Alfredo doesn't require a long list of ingredients. It's made of Gnocchi, garlic, butter, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach. And of course, a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Gnocchi. In this recipe, I used store-bought Gnocchi but fresh Gnocchi will work as well. If you are using pre-made Gnocchi make sure that you buy a good quality product that you know will taste good.
Spinach. You can use fresh or frozen spinach. Kale can also be used as a replacement ingredient.
You can customize this gnocchi alfredo by adding some sautéed mushrooms, peas, bacon, and/or, pancetta.
Parmesan cheese. Grate your own parmesan cheese for a smooth sauce. The pre-grated cheese products contain anti-caking agents and preservatives which prevent the formation of lumps. That results in the pre-grated cheese products not melting together as well when cooked and a cheese sauce that is gritty.
How to Make Gnocchi Alfredo
The preparation and cooking process of this Gnocchi Alfredo is pretty simple. You just need to cook the Gnocchi for 2-3 minutes (or according to the product packaging) and prepare the sauce while it cooks. Once the gnocchi is cooked, you just need to stir them into the sauce.
So here are some important steps to follow.
Step 1. Cook the Gnocchi
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain well.
Step 2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add spinach and stir for about 30-40 seconds. Do not overcook.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 40 seconds. Season with salt and black peper.
- Add the gnocchi and turn off the heat. Stir the gnocchi for 20-30 seconds, add parmesan cheese then remove the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted.
FAQ and Gnocchi Cooking Tips
Packaged gnocchi usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Store the cooked gnocchi in an airtight container. The leftover will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
Bring a few tablespoons of water or heavy cream to a simmer over low heat. Add gnocchi alfredo, cover the lid, and stir every 30 seconds. Continue this process until the mixture is heated through.
Check Out These Delicious Pasta Recipes
- Sheet-Pan Gnocchi
- Pasta with Mussels
- Easy Canned Clam Pasta
- Squid Pasta with Marinara Sauce
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Instant Pot Penne Pasta
- Bratwurst Pasta
- One-Pot Penne Pasta
- White Sauce Pasta
- Canned Tuna Pasta
- Anchovy Pasta with Capers
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! I'd appreciate it.
📖 Recipe
Gnocchi Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 3 cups fresh spinach , (fully packed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, (and more for serving)
- a small pinch of salt and black pepper , (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil over high heat. Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain well. While you wait for the water to boil, prepare the other ingredients.
- While the gnocchi is cooking, melt butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir just until fragrant. Add spinach and stir for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and simmer for 40 seconds. Season with a small pinch of salt and black pepper then turn off the heat.
- Add cooked gnocchi, stir for 20-30 seconds. Add parmesan cheese, remove the skillet from the stove and stir until the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Private Selection® Italian Gnocchi with Potato from Ralphs market ($2.49 per pound). I think it tastes much better than Trader Joe's gnocchi.
- Good & Gather Heavy Cream from Target ($1.99 per pint or $3.59 per qt).
Emily Flint
I love how easy this recipe was to make and it was so creamy and delicious. We will definitely be making this again!
Rika
I am glad that you liked it, Emily!
Michelle
Such a delicious and easy recipe! Great for weeknight meals!
Rika
Thanks, Michelle! I am glad that you found it easy to make.
Andrea
I love how easy this delicious gnocchi alfredo is to make. It is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Rika
Thanks, Andrea!
Toni
This was a really huge hit at my house! Everyone loved it!
Rika
Thanks for trying, Toni! I am glad that you liked it.
Kristen Wood
We used Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi and it was an absolute hit!! Thanks for the fabulous recipe! So easy, too.
Rika
You're welcome, Kristen. I love Trader Joe's cauliflower gnocchi too.